Friday Favorite: Feathers!

I’m finally getting back to sharing some of my Friday favorites with you. This week I want to spotlight the gorgeous feather headbands by LovMely from Los Angeles.

I bought three before the holidays and have pretty much gotten non-stop compliments any time I have worn them. I love how they are so unique, and lend a lot of style (without having to go through tons of effort) I have long hair and bangs, but they’d look cute even on people with short little pixie cuts too! The shop includes a wide variety of colors and types of feathers, as well as clips and other cute hair items as well.

This black and white pheasant headband is one of the ones I purchased. It goes with just about anything, and is a nice eye-catching size.

JENNY, Black and White Pheasant Headband with Vintage Button, $15.00

Now, I’m considering getting one of these fabulous Peacock Feather headbands:

Ashley Peacock Feather Headband, $30

Designer Interview: Lillyella

It’s been awhile since I did a local interview feature. In the interest of reminding you to shop local and support independent artists here’s an interview with Nicole, the very busy designer behind Lillyella. She’s an interesting 29 year old, with seven tattoos, a love of peanut butter, a menagerie of animals to take care of, and at times is a dance instructor. Shes’ also building a barn! Interested? So was I. She’s made the leap to working for herself, so if you’re curious how she manages to juggle it all and make it successful, read on.

How and when was Lillyella created?

Since I already owned a business (an LLC), I added a DBA name to it, Lillyella, to use for selling my jewelry. I actually created the name/logo. etc a few years ago when I had hopes of doing craft shows and things of the sort, which I never had time for.   Where did the name come from you may ask? Good question! I tossed around lots of other options such as libelulle, peach pod, cant remember anymore! But in the end, I’ve always loved the name lilly – I really like waterlilies, lily of the valley, lilies of all sorts, and ella fitzgerald is amazing – so the combination just seemed like a winner! And I love it. People often think it’s my name and I’ll admit, sometimes I don’t correct them

What is your typical working day like?

I am trying very hard to be disciplined – but it is so difficult! Instead of filling orders and doing design work, my beads are calling and new designs are dancing in my head – but now feeling more pressure than ever without a steady guaranteed paycheck coming in, I have been pretty good. I always wake up early, even though Im usually up until about 2am. I check my email, poke around etys a bit, check my treasury lists, plan for new ones, answer any convos from people, update my blog and make about 13 lists every day. From there it just depends on what takes priority. Somedays I only do design work, some days I do billing (boring, but important!), some days I only make jewelry, somedays I only run errands! Most days I do a little bit of everything. But through the day I check my email and etsy constantly – every half hour watching the front page change! Everytime an order comes in I send a thank you email, print the order and file it into the appropriate “to do” pile. Unfortunately at this point I can’t call it a 9-5 job. It’s more like a 7:30 – 2 a.m. job, but Im hoping now that I am working on my own and not balancing 3 jobs, that I can get into a better routine.

Dayflower Earrings,$11.50

Where do you find your inspiration?
This is probably a typical answer, but I find inspiration from my favorite things. Since “design” in general is needed for every aspect of what I do, I kind of feel I look at the world a bit different than some other people. It takes me 3 times as long to decide what I want to eat at a restaurant because I a not reading the menu – but analyzing the font selections, colors, layout, paper, how it ties into the rest of the decor – etc!

I study billboards to determine if the message was appropriate marketing for the product, I check out the little logos on the back of cars to see if they match the name and style of the vehicle. Other than that, I love nature, of course. I find amazing color combination in plants and animals. I find materials that represent things I like and then figure out the best way to utilize their potential.

What do you like best about your business and what do you like the least?

I love the creativity involved, I really love making people happy – creating things that bring people joy – even if it is just a piece of jewelry. I love making custom orders and wedding jewelry, I feel very honored to do that. I love organizing my supplies – most people will tell you I’m anal-retentive! What I like least – hard to say – maybe taping shipping labels to packages? Or possibly always being paranoid that my pieces are not perfect and being nervous that someone will not like it.

How do you market yourself and what sort of customer service do you provide?

Marketing – not as much as I should do yet. I started a blog recently (http://lillyella.blogspot.com/) but it’s quite new and does not have much traffic yet. I do write tidbits about my life but mostly use it to offer special sales on wednesdays and fridays, have contests and other things to get people involved, showcase other etsy shops and show off new designs.  Aside from that I spend a ridiculous amount of time in the Etsy Treasuries. It’s so addicting! I make lists as often as I can and I love browsing through and commenting on other peoples lists. I have made so many amazing etsy friends this way and have been featured on the front page a few times so far, which is the best exposure you can hope for.

Customer service – it’s very important to me. I have also become friends with many people who have purchased jewelry from me – including pen pals all around the world! I always send a thank you email when I get an order, telling them when the order will ship and asking them to make sure they let me know what they think of the piece when they receive it. I give discounts on large orders and often include extra goodies in my shipments. Since I am graphic designer, packaging is very important to me, so I always make sure that it looks really nice. I offer gift wrapping at no charge and I always include a hand written thank you with each order.

I also offer lots of customization options on my pieces, which I think people appreciate. Whether it is changing the color of a bead, changing the length of a necklace or bracelet etc. The nicest thing that has happened to me recently is a girl from hawaii who purchased a bracelet from me sent me a handmade card and a box of candy to thank me! I guess that means I’m doing something right!

Where can customers find your designs (if other than on Etsy)

Currently, only a few places – a website which features all handmade goods called Miss Princess, http://mymissprincess.com/ and three retail stores in Hong Kong. I may also be in some local venues soon (when I have more time to pursue) and will probably also do a few select art shows.

Is there anything else you would like to tell Art Addict readers?

I’m bad at these kind of questions!

For the artist readers who are thinking about further pursuing what may just be a hobby now – go for it! It may be ridiculously scary, but you only live once. But be smart about it – talk to someone who has done it, save money, write a business plan for yourself, and stay disciplined!

For the art lovers out there – continue to support handmade, local artists etc – chances are, you could be changing someone’s life.

Garden Branch Bracelet

Valerie Tyler Designs Trunk Show during Little Italy Art Walk

You are invited to attend a sneak preview of Valerie Tyler Designs new Summer 2008 jewelry collection June 6-7 during the Murray Hill Art Walk in Little Italy where I will be unveiling my new collection. The focus of the 2008 collection is experimentation with metalworking techniques. Feminine shapes and delicate details are combined in this years’ jewelry, with some more playful industrial elements, allusions to nature, and an exploration of geometry and contemporary forms.

Come visit with myself and other artists who will also be exhibiting in the Courtyard behind Class Act, located at 12404 Mayfield Road throughout the weekend. In addition, all the galleries throughout Little Italy will be open for extended hours, featuring numerous artists and special events.

A Most Elegant Handbag

I wish I had discovered Leigh-Ann Klein before I was married. I micro-managed every last stylish detail, except for my boring plain white satin bag. Of course, who needs a special occasion to buy a piece of art. Her collection includes bags that can work from day into evening, and for numerous other occasions as well. Leigh-Ann makes exquisitely detailed handbags. Her work is hand-embellished with details such as feathers, satin, lace and other trims.

My favorite of her elegant clutches was the Brooke-Gold Minaudiere. The applique’ on the front of the bag is so elegant and detailed. ($105.00)

I also loved the simplicity of form and design in her Silver Dawn bag. It is silver satin with white woven jacquard and a round pearl and crystal focal piece. ($95.00)

You can see more of her lovely bags and clutches at her shop.

Rising Artist Interview: HQ Designs

Helen Quinn is a designer I was introduced to when she purchased a necklace and earrings from me on Etsy.  It was really quite an honor actually, because she herself is a jewelry designer and an extraordinary one at that.  I quickly fell in love with her designs because they are sleek, modern and fabulously sleek!

So of course I had to interview her for Art Addict, and here’s what she had to say.

What is the name of your business?
hq design.

When did you begin it and what was your original inspiration?

The jewelry making began with a 1 year jewelry manufacturing course which I thought I’d try because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and ended up absolutely loving it. I had worked for various people but loved the idea of being able to make limited amounts of my owns jewellery. There is a lot of uncertainty involved with setting up by yourself but the rewards are worth it

How do you seek out ideas for your designs?

Inspiration comes from all over – I usually like to sketch for a bit and see what I come up with and go from there to the bench and see what happens.

As you have progressed what have you felt to be rewarding and what has been challenging?

The rewarding would probably be designing and seeing a piece through to completion & then having people enjoying wearing something I’ve created.
On the challenging side of things, it’d probably have to be the business and sales side of things, it’s stepping out of my comfort zone!

Are there any must-haves that you can’t run your business without?

I find supportive family, friends & boyfriend are essential – always willing to help!

Outside of jewelry what intrigues you?

Well there’s numerous things, I’m a huge architecture fan from ancient ruins to new buildings. Besides that all kinds of art in general, photography, fashion & beauty in unexpected places.

What are your hopes for the future?

Eventually I’d like to be designing and creating full time, while continuing to learn more about jewelry different techniques.

Large Art Deco Earrings, $157.00

Visit and see more at HQ Design

Rising Artists Interview: Labella Designs

My latest interview was with the designer behind Labella Designs. Here’s what she had to say:

1. What inspired you to become an independent business owner?
The opportunity to be completely in control of something, to see my ideas actually come to fruition and the desire to start a business that I could continue after I retire from my “real” job as a registered nurse. I had been mulling over the idea of starting a faux painting business when I took a jewelry making class for fun and just loved it. I think it was all the beautiful gemstones and the immediate gratification you get from creating something in a relatively short amount of time that really got me hooked. And of course, what woman doesn’t love jewelry?

2. What have you found to be the easiest part of beginning your new business and what has been the most difficult?
Easiest part: Deciding on my general area of business, as making jewelry kind of picked me. I was addicted after the first class. I would also say the creative part of designing and actually making my products is one of the easier aspects for me. Most Difficult: Staying focused on the business part of things: writing a plan, marketing, keeping records, paperwork, etc. I tend to get distracted by all the creative ideas floating around in my head!

3. Explain what skills you have that you feel you have that have been absolutely necessary.

Being organized and keeping good records has been absolutely necessary. You don’t know if you are making a profit or how to price things if you don’t keep records of everything you spend money on. It also it imerative at tax time to be well organized, whether you do your own taxes or hire an accountant. I am working on being more outgoing to help me with marketing my jewelry; this does not come naturally for me, but I think it is absolutely neccessary to feel comfortable with promoting yourself and your business to the public to be successful with a small business.

4. How do you think you have been successful so far?
I think that I’ve been successful so far in that I have branded my company with a distinct look, have set up my website and my shopping site. I am curently working on a more distinct look for my product line, something that will let you instantly recognize a piece as a “La Bella”.

5. What are some of your goals for the future?
Immediate goals are to get my jewelry into 3 retail stores this year and finalize a distinct line for fall and the holiday season. In 3-5 years I hope to have my own shopping site {I will definitely keep my etsy site as long as I am in the biz}, expand the number of retail stores to 15-20 and be accepted to 2-3 high-end juried art shows a year. I would also like to have 1 article a year published in a craft/art magazine. Ongoing goals are to keep expanding and improving my jewelry making skills. Ideally I would like to learn and perfect at least 2 new techniques a year.

Rhodolite Earrings, $40.00